The Grand Ballroom at ICC Sydney swapped chandeliers for carnival stripes on Friday, 13 June 2025, when Tour de Cure staged its annual Snow Ball — this year re-imagined as Welcome to the Circus. The big-top décor, aerial artists and toe-tapping house band set the tone for an evening that mixed showmanship with serious purpose: raising money for lifesaving cancer research.
A record $1.62 million raised
By the time the confetti settled, the Snow Ball community had pledged more than $1.62 million towards Tour de Cure’s research, support and prevention programs. A major share of these funds will back a critical study into diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) at the Children’s Cancer Institute, offering fresh hope in the fight against one of the most aggressive childhood brain cancers.
FMF steps up
The Frank Montagnese Foundation was proud to add its name to the evening’s roll-call of donors, with Gabby pledging on our behalf during the live fundraising moment. While we prefer to keep the dollar figure private, our commitment reflects FMF’s long-standing belief that better outcomes demand collective effort — connecting great causes with the resources, partners and champions they need to thrive.
More than glitz: stories that matter
Alongside dazzling performances by Furnace & the Fundamentals and other circus-inspired acts, guests heard moving testimony from Professor Richard Scolyer AO and from Sarah and Craig, whose daughter Izzy tragically lost her battle with DIPG. Their stories underscored why every pledge counts.
Why this matters for FMF
Cancer touches almost every family. By supporting Tour de Cure’s flagship gala, the Foundation helps fast-track research that can deliver breakthroughs, not years down the line, but now. Just as importantly, the Snow Ball embodies the power of partnership: businesses, philanthropists and community leaders uniting under one roof, each playing a part.
Looking ahead
With the Snow Ball’s total now locked in and grants soon to be announced, we’ll keep our community updated on the DIPG project’s progress and other funded initiatives. For FMF, the night was another reminder that when we link arms with like-minded organisations, generosity multiplies and impact follows.
Thank you to Tour de Cure for the invitation and for staging a night that proves charity galas can be both spectacular and profoundly meaningful. We’re honoured to have shared the spotlight — and the mission — with so many passionate supporters.
